The 7 best books we've read this year for startup founders in Latin America

We know how this year was tough for startup founders. In times like these, creating some space for reflection is crucial to face new days with a fresher mindset. And what better way to do that than by indulging in reading?

Not all readings are made equal, though. Finding a good book in the sea of old and new publications is a tough job, especially in the business books scene. Who's actually experienced and sharing their good lessons out there?

We know who's who in the innovation scene, and know the pain points of startup founders in Latin America. So we decided to make up a list of our own best reads of 2022. Start the next year by becoming more knowledgeable and getting inspired!

1. The Art of Gathering (Pyra Parker)

If there's one thing lockdown showed us, it's that time together is a gift we've too often taken for granted. In The Art of Gathering, Priya Parker shows us how to ensure that, no matter in what way we meet, it ends up being a truly transformative experience.

My main takeaway from this book: all gatherings must attend to the participants' needs and not the opposite. That's how we can create meaningful and memorable moments.

– Adriana Giglio, Event Project Manager at Latitud

2. The Courage to Be Disliked (Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi)

The Courage to Be Disliked shows how to free yourself, change your life, and achieve happiness. Is that good enough for ya?

In the book, a philosopher explains to his pupil how each of us is able to determine our own trajectory, free of the shackles of past experiences, doubts, and the expectations of others.

In every business, you have no option but to deal with people. In that sense, this book is a must-read and a must-practice if you're truly committed to owning your sh!t and making the best out of it.

– Carmen Leal, Content Growth Specialist at Latitud

3. Creativity, Inc. (Ed Catmull)

Ok, I'm kind of cheating here.

I read this book every year.

Yes. Every. Single. Year.

And that's one of the few business books I stand by. After this tough year, reading Creativity Inc. once again gave me a breath of fresh air. Ed Catmull's one of the co-founders of Pixar Animation Studios and talks about how you can strive for originality for yourself and for your team.

It's a must read for every leader that wants not only to be an innovator, but to spread innovation and make it a perennial part of your endeavors. On to a great 2023!

– Mariana Fonseca, Content Editor at Latitud

4. Intentional Event Design (Tahira Endean)

‍You might have read the title and thought that Intentional Event Design is not for you, because you're not the events person in your startup. And that's where you would be mistaken. We're always fostering events in our lives – so why not learn from the best?

Intentional Event Design shows that you need to create experiences that understand how human beings respond, are steeped in trust, and bring out the best in human nature. The book's about designing events intentionally – so that the experiences you create become more worthy to live for everyone involved.

– Adriana Giglio, Event Project Manager at Latitud

5. Leadership and Self-Deception (The Arbinger Institute)

Leadership and Self-Deception was published in 2000. And why are we talking about it even now? Because it addresses an issue that is ever-present: getting out of our boxes and finding a way out of our self-deception.

That's a powerful handbook for leaders to navigate not only business but life, with more self-awareness and ownership.

– Larissa Mansur, Head of Programs at Latitud

6. The Making of a Manager (Julie Zhuo)

What to do when everyone looks up to you? That's what "The Making of a Manager", a book written by the manager of dozens of teams Julie Zhuo, answers. Julie was a very early employee of Meta: she joined as a designer and is now a VP at the company.

I read this book a few months ago and there are just so many practical tips that I still go back to take a look at some parts from time to time. It's a great read for anyone that's starting to have direct reports and wants to know how a big tech goes about that in terms of culture.

– Fernanda Caloi, Special Projects at Latitud

7. Viva The Entrepreneur (Brian Requarth)

We couldn't end our list without our everlasting recommendation, right?

If you were at Vamos Latam Summit, you know that we're all about Viva The Entrepreneur. In the book, Latitud's cofounder Brian Requarth recalls the main lessons he got from his time as Viva Real's founder and an angel investor.

The entrepreneurial journey is lonely — especially if you’re looking to start a business in Latin America, where opportunities are ripe but resources are scarce. Brian wants to help demystify the obstacles you’ll face, teach what you won’t learn in business school, and offer you inspiration and encouragement on your journey.

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Brian grew Viva Real to 500 employees and tens of millions of dollars in revenue, until it was merged with ZAP and later acquired by OLX. That was in 2009, just a year after The Great Recession (that had real estate in its center, btw). We know you can get inspired and get through 2023. You got this!

– The Latitud team